Arm Of Cross In City Park Removed After Protest

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ATLANTIC BEACH - City officials have removed the horizontal arm from a wooden cross in a city park after a protest that it was a religious symbol.

The city left only a vertical pole, in response to an Oct. 15 letter from the Freedom From Religion Foundation that requested the immediate removal of the structure in Howell Park.

The decision upset some local religious leaders.

``I'm appalled that the city would be forced to take a religious structure down that no doubt means a lot to the community,'' said Steve Miller, pastor of the Atlantic Beach First Baptist Church. ``It's a shame. That's for sure.''

City officials are unclear about the cross's origins, but think it was installed about 15 years ago for a wedding and has been used for others weddings since.

For now, the city's parks department will store the arm of the cross for use upon request for weddings and other private events.